Back in June, Home Depot said it intended to defend its position as power tool market share leader. Now the giant chain finds itself a defendant in a lawsuit filed by Orchard Supply Hardware.

In a 43-page complaint, San Jose, Calif.-based Orchard said it's being iced by power tool makers Milwaukee and Makita at the urging of the world's largest home improvement retailer. "Orchard Supply vs. Home Depot, Milwaukee Electric Tool and Makita USA" was filed in December in U.S. District Court in San Francisco. OSH claims the defendants are running an unlawful group boycott.

Innovative new products engineered with the latest advancements in battery technology continue to fuel the power tools industry for the major brands — including DeWalt, Makita and Milwaukee Tool — as they introduce faster, lighter products that provide superior performance for users.

Innovation has not escaped the attention of the following home improvement companies. July’s New Product Showcase features goods from eco-friendly cleaners to a heated jacket and everything in between. Make sure to sign up for the HCN Daily and check out homechannelnews.com for the industry’s brightest product ideas.

The latest addition to Makita's LXT Series of lithium-ion-powered tools is the new cordless die grinder.

“With 25,000 RPM and 18 volts of lithium-ion power, it is another trade solution for pros working in plumbing, automotive, service and maintenance," said Ethan Haughawout, Makita product manager, cordless tools.

The latest addition to Makita's LXT Series of lithium-ion-powered tools is the new cordless die grinder.

“With 25,000 RPM and 18 volts of lithium-ion power, it is another trade solution for pros working in plumbing, automotive, service and maintenance," said Ethan Haughawout, Makita product manager, cordless tools.

CPO Commerce, an on-line retailer of home-improvement products, has announced its acquisition of TylerTool.com, an e-commerce site that sells power tools and equipment to contractors and DIYers. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Established in 1999, TylerTool.com offers DeWalt, Makita, Milwaukee, Bosch, Porter Cable, and other brand name tools, as well as compressors, generators and other equipment.

Power tool manufacturer Makita will return in 2011 as the official power tool sponsor of Supercross motorcycle racing. The 2011 Supercross season launches on Jan. 8, at Anaheim Stadium in Anaheim, Calif.

In addition to live racing, Makita is the Official Power Tool Sponsor of Major League Soccer (MLS), and the Mexican National Soccer Team (FMF) during their competitive matches in the U.S.

Power tool manufacturer Makita will return in 2011 as the official power tool sponsor of Supercross motorcycle racing. The 2011 Supercross season launches on Jan. 8, at Anaheim Stadium in Anaheim, Calif.

In addition to live racing, Makita is the Official Power Tool Sponsor of Major League Soccer (MLS), and the Mexican National Soccer Team (FMF) during their competitive matches in the U.S.